Did you know that over 21 million hospital visits are related to home injuries? Of this number, over 18,000 Americans die due to home-related accidents.

Such accidents are not reserved for older fire traps, either. Even new constructions can pose health risks and liabilities, particularly to the uninformed homeowner.

Your home deserves to be a sanctuary of safety. If you’ve purchased an older home recently or are considering doing so, take the following precautions to ensure that your threshold is a secure threshold.

1. Conduct A Safety Audit

The good news about home security is the fact that every homeowner can take safety into their own hands. Conduct your own safety audit to ensure that your home’s wiring, plumbing, foundation, and structural integrity are in prime condition.

Many safety checks may feel like no-brainers. But several are frequently overlooked, such as your home’s ability to monitor toxic levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that is the byproduct of many natural cooking gases.

Other safety risks, such as those posed by unsafe drinking water via the kitchen tap and unclean chimneys, may require more intensive, professional assistance.

State Farm has its own DIY home safety audit. In addition to these items, however, I recommend signing up for a professional home audit, either via your insurance company or a local agency.

2. Install Fire Safety Mechanisms

Fireplaces and other heat sources are amongst the leading causes of home-related accidents and fatalities. Even if you don’t have a fireplace, it’s essential to take the necessary precautions in the instance of a fire.

Install a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible area, such as near the kitchen stove. Preferably, install a minimum of two extinguishers, in case fire prevents you from accessing the kitchen or exit.

Familiarize yourself with what to do in the event of a fire in your home, particularly fires caused by grease, cooking residue, or natural gas. If you have family members, be sure to brief them on emergency procedures.

If you live in an older building, you may also wish to have your home inspected for potential fire hazards. Many hazards are overlooked by homeowners and require a professional’s eye.

Lastly, regularly make sure your fire alarms are in working order. If any of them are chirping, failing to show an "on" light, or indicating low batteries, follow your alarm’s manual to get them back up to speed. I recommend checking your fire alarms at least once a month.

3. Take Precautions Against Leaks

Leaks of all kinds can lead to dangerous accidents, such as explosions, crumbling floors, and the permeation of toxic gas. It’s essential to ensure that your home is leak-free and not likely to be prone to leaks in the future.

Begin with your home’s plumbing. Simple water leaks or faucet drips may seem innocuous at the outset, but these can eat away at wood and other biodegradable substances, leading to flimsy floorboards and porous ceilings.

If you have an older home, inspect your water’s plumbing for potential replacements. Identify any areas of piping that have sustained obvious corrosion, rusting, or decay. If possible, note the material of your pipes and identify the general lifespan of this material.

This guide can be helpful for determining whether or not your plumbing is due for a renovation.

Gas leaks are another culprit of home accidents. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector in prominent areas of your home. Bring a technician by to ensure your fireplace, stove, and other gas-dependent appliances are fully functioning without risk of leaks.

4. Insulate Wisely

A well-insulated home can protect your structure from weather damage, including damage sustained by extreme temperatures and storms. Homeowners of older buildings should consider replacing existing insulation or investing in double-pane windows and doors.

If you are still in the market for a new home, be on the lookout for homes with premium insulation. Keep in mind that older homes are more likely to have poorer or outdated forms of insulation.

5. Update the Outdated

Homeownership is expensive. For this reason, many homeowners are reluctant to renovate, replace what needs to be replaced, and relinquish what seems to be “working just fine.”

However, older models of appliances, ancient plumbing, and narrow stairwells can all pose a variety of safety risks to residents. If a home audit reveals a glaring safety need in your home, don’t overlook this. Act immediately.

Update anything in your home, in particular, that is outdated. Replace that ancient stove with a safe, energy-efficient model recommended by your technician. Get rid of that narrow stairwell and replace that peeling wooden door with a steel alternative.

If you are unsure whether or not you should replace a certain item, consult your technician or home insurance company.

6. Know What Your Insurance Covers

Speaking of homeowner’s insurance, spend some time familiarizing yourself with what your plan actually covers. Most homeowners are not aware of the extent (or lack thereof) of their coverage.

For example, many home insurance policies do not cover instances of mold, even though mold is a prominent culprit in home damage and safety hazards.

If your insurance policy feels limiting, consider upgrading to a plan that is more comprehensive, even if this means forking over a few more pennies. Consult an insurance representative to assess options.

7. Build an Emergency Kit

You can’t be too prepared when it comes to home emergencies. Compile a “fire kit” or emergency bag to have at the ready if the unexpected strikes.

This kit should include important information, such as copies of passports, insurance policies, and relevant IDs. Also be sure to include a few first aid items, extra keys to your home, and other valuables.

You shouldn’t have to live on edge in your own home. Give yourself the peace of mind you require as a homeowner by taking these safety precautions today. For more questions, consult a home advisor, insurance representative, or technician.